Texas Parks Department Creates New State Park with 1,000 Acres

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has acquired over 1,000 acres in Lampasas and Burnet counties, aiming to create a new state park that will span more than 3,000 acres when combined with a previous land purchase. Scientists have warned residents to avoid contact with blue-green algae, recently detected at Red Bud Isle on Lady Bird Lake, as it poses health risks to mammals. The Texas climate center has resumed operations after a temporary funding lapse, ensuring continued access to important climate data for several states. Austin City Council is set to consider expanding artificial intelligence oversight, focusing on workforce protections, transparency, and environmental impacts, building on previous AI policy. In legislative news, a controversial Texas bill proposing murder trials for women who obtain abortions has been abandoned, reflecting a shift away from severe criminal penalties.